Rose City Chic

1) PREPPY ROMANCE“We just love Castaway Portland’s clean lines—the modern and industrial qualities really leave room for your imagination to go wild,” says Chelsea Forcum, co-owner of CK Wedding & Event Design. And she should know—she hosted her own modern glam wedding at the Northwest Industrial District hot spot in 2015. For our pages, Forcum and co-owner Kayla McCaul went with a romantic preppy theme to give the space some warmth and showcase its versatility.

The décor is anchored by two of the latest (and we think coolest) wedding trends: 1) Whimsical oversize balloons, here in soft pink by Twigs & Twirls, and 2) A lush floral runner as a fresh take on the traditional centerpiece—Sophisticated Floral’s pastel-peppered showstopper includes garden roses, antique carnations, lilacs, hellebores, chocolate Queen Anne’s lace, tulips, violets, and more. “All of the colors we used are gorgeous, but also muted so that each element of the décor can shine,” McCaul says. Their best advice: Don’t count a favorite vendor out based on their initial quote—instead, explain what you really want, and then see if they can find stylish and affordable solutions.

How Sweet It Is
Gluten intolerant? No prob. Now you can have your downright delicious cake and eat it, too, thanks to gluten-free Lake Oswego bakery Kyra’s Bake Shop. A three-time winner of “Cupcake Wars,” Kyra’s also does dairy-free and vegan cakes or can build you an allergy-sensitive dessert buffet with crave-worthy cupcakes, blondies, pies, and coconut macaroons. The tasteful tiers here are red velvet, chai, and coconut cakes covered in chevron-and-polka-dot fondant. It makes a charming closer to a farm-to-table dinner served on polka dot–framed plates. Circular menus with dusty rose ribbon detailing tie it all together. Mackenzie Michaels lace and chiffon bridesmaid dress and pearl earrings (both price upon request),Anna’s Bridal Boutique

“The bridesmaids’ makeup should be slightly less dramatic than the bride’s, and their hair should have a similar vibe (formal, romantic, etc.) to hers, but a different variation.” —Bri Ellis, Portland Make-up & Hair

“Modern-themed weddings are really on the rise,” says Carisa Smith, owner of Adornment Events. “Not the standard ‘hard and cold’ modern, but a general vibe that’s clean, classy, bold, and unique.” For Smith, that means playing with color, shape, and texture. Here, a vibrant peacock-blue runner brings upscale drama to Barclay Event Rentals’ custom table, a sleek take on the beloved farmhouse style. The table is flanked by classic chivari chairs, tightly wrapped in peacock sashes for a haute couture look.

On the table, gold flatware flanks loosely woven metallic chargers topped with square plates that hold the menu and two sweet thank-yous for guests:Azar Indulgences’ artisan confections (fab flavors include the Willamette Valley Cluster, Mount Hood Pyramid, and Lil’ Cupcake, all made with Belgian chocolate) and a jewel-like bud vase with a ruffled ranunculus. It’s a scene that’s made for clinking glasses, dancing contests, and a photo booth that’s packed all night. Smith’s best advice: “Go for it! Grab the cool furniture to create a themed vignette that also incorporates art, specialty treats, and handmade items. The thoughtful touches are what make a reception go from good to amazing!”

Light Fantastic
The key to transforming Castaway Portland’s blank-slate bones into a sultry evening paradise? Professional lighting as décor. Here, Greenlight Creative uplit the walls to really make the venue’s details pop. Above the table they hung streamlined vintage Edison bulbs, which Smith encased with metal globes, a big-impact but affordable find at Target. The globes’ geometric lines repeat in the metallic candelabras below, as well as on Lux Sucre Desserts’ stunning cake. Meticulously arranged fondant stripes and hand-painted modern bas-relief adorn tiers of chocolate cake filled with blow-your-mind-tasty mint buttercream.

Petal Power
“There are more ways to do a modern-themed centerpiece than a cluster of only one flower variety,” says Lisa Martin of Bloomsberry Floral. “Minimizing greenery and using angular vases in different shapes offers that modern clean line while allowing for more types of blooms.” A bit of greenery then brings a touch of softness to Martin’s coordinating boutonniere and bouquet meant for a bridesmaid or minimalist bride who wants her dress to be the focus. The Card Bar’s hand-painted paper goods give the popular wedding hue blush a contemporary edge. Wtoo cap-sleeve lace bridesmaid dress (price upon request), Anna’s Bridal Boutique

Raise the Bar
Ensure that every guest has a drink in hand by serving My Bartender’s “Royal Flower” (vodka, elderflower cordial, and Champagne) on Something Borrowed’s simply awesome circle shelf.

“The overall vibe is sophisticated but also sexy and fun,” Sheils says. “This couple will have elegant appetizers, craft cocktails, and killer music that keeps the dance floor packed all night long.” Sheils’s best advice: Always have a rain or heat plan B. Castaway partners with neighbor Pomarius Nursery, which means you get a great indoor space with the option for an outdoor ceremony in the city—huge perk.

Have a Ball
One of Sheils’s favorite details from the day? This spiky gold Z Gallerie Scoppio Sphere. “It adds layers of elegant luxury while also giving the table some aggressive attitude,” she says. Speaking of sophisticated sass, Donna Morgan’s Gigi gown (opposite; dress and crystal earrings both price upon request at Anna’s Bridal Boutique) will surely make for merry ’maids. With a structured fit and multidirectional sequin stripes, it’s a modern classic they can wear to any posh party again and again. For this night’s finishing touch, Dream Cakes created a trio of chic treats: mini chocolate cakes with buttercream and geometric fondant accents, chocolate cake pops dipped in white chocolate and gold sugar, and vanilla macarons brushed with edible gold. Serve them individually, or have Bridal Bliss artfully arrange them in a custom dessert display.

Good Fortune
What’s that sitting center-plate? Why, it’s a fresh take on the fortune teller from your youth! Make it a unique way to share the menu, or fill with conversation starters.

Be Our Guest
Give loved ones the flavor of the festivities to come with Crave Design’s stylish yet subtly playful invitation suite. The hexagonal shape and free-form gold foil brushstrokes lend the formal black-and-white palette some 2016 flair. A similar “elevated but approachable” vibe plays out at the reception in Zest Floral and Event Design’s centerpieces: small groupings of lush peonies, ruffled ranunculus, and black-centered anemones are organically arranged to have movement and life.

Cheers!
Thank guests with a split of bubbly (Cost Plus World Market has a great selection), and they’ll toast you tomorrow, too.

Oak by AirmailMint & Mirth gives the Airmail, a classic cocktail dating from the late ’40s, a Portland twist with syrup made from Bee Local honey smoked in white oak:

Preparation:
1. Add the water to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the honey and reduce to low heat; simmer for two minutes.
3. Remove from stove and let cool.

Instructions:
In a shaker, combine rum, lime juice, syrup, and ice, and shake until tin is frosty. Strain into a chilled flute and top with Champagne (see right). To garnish, slightly dampen outside of glass and gently apply gold leaf.

HAVE IT HERE
A former smelting and refining warehouse dating back to 1929, Castaway Portland offers 10,000 square feet of immaculately restored event space with exposed wood beams, treated concrete floors, and wraparound steel-sash pane windows. It works well for big celebrations (can seat up to 400 indoors) and intimate gatherings alike. More perks for your party: tables and chairs included in the rental fee, an enclosed catering kitchen, and an on-site dressing room with fireplace.